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5 Tips for Online Student Learning Success

1. Time Management

Set aside specific days and times to log in to your course and work on assignments.

Figure out how much of your classwork time will be devoted to the various parts of the course workload.

2. Communication

Written Communication

Much of the communication in an online course is written. An ability to read for information is important.

Proof Read + Edit

Proof read and edit your written communications for their tone. Give yourself time to use the best wording to get your point across with minimal opportunity for the meaning to be misconstrued by the reader.

Be Clear

Be very clear in your emails and messages to professors and classmates so they accurately understand your meaning. State your questions and responses concisely so there is no opportunity for miscommunication.

Ask Questions

Ask questions sooner than later. Don't wait until the last minute to get help or clarification from your instructor.

Follow Up

Students and instructors are not necessarily in the course at the same time. Follow up with instructors if you don't hear back in a day or two.

3. Engagement/ Involvement

Student Responsibility

Online courses require more initiative from students to get involved with learning the material than traditional courses. Be ready to take responsibility for your learning.

Virtual Groups

Get started communicating with your group soon. Exchange contact info including time zones in case your group wants to schedule live chat sessions or conference calls.

Participation

Be active in class discussions! Answer ques-tions posted by the instructor and classmates. Post your own questions about the content being discussed.

4. Organization

System for organizing class materials

Prioritize work

Organize assignments by due date

Use a file naming system

5. Motivation

Set a long-term goal

Have a goal you are working toward.

Find your motivation for taking online courses and keep a reminder of it nearby.

That reminder can help you as you work though the challenges of being a student.